Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim — NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,215,138 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports — when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report — that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints — specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened — feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 49,040 complaints — component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
Door lock/unlock mechanism has failed. Unable to unlock and open door from outside or inside. This defect causes the door to stay locked and unable to open. This can trap people inside of the car if they are unable to crawl out a window or exit from another door. There are many reports of this on Kia forums and general Google search. There was no warning that this part was wearing out until it be... Read more
FOREST RIVER
VENGEANCE
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 22, 2022
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
Well after i tried to see if there was any warranty on my fifth-wheel. I contacted BAL industries. They where very helpful. After purchasing a new landing leg with motor along with a new brain for the auto leveling system. I then calibrated all legs and tried to auto level the trailer. It actually worked. Fast forward a week later big camping trip for four days. well got to where we are camping an... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
Frame rusting away, will no longer pass inspection because of cracks. First recall inspection dealer said it was OK second frame replacement is $10,700.00
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while opening the passenger’s side gull wing door for his daughter, the center spine applique detached inadvertently and struck the passenger’s side upper and rear glass window, causing the window to shatter. The contact's daughter who was near the vehicle did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was taken to the local service center w... Read more
FOREST RIVER
OZARK
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 22, 2022
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
we have a holding tank that has broken away from cheaply installed brackets and is coming through the bottom on the camper. Driving this is a hazard and if this had completely fallen out while we were driving over a pass it could have been fatal This is the major problem- there are many other smaller ones like trim coming off- flooring under sink collapsing. I would think if Forest River was a rep... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 22, 2022
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
The paint has substantial flaking/ easy scratching casting spots down to primer and bare metal
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 22, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The passenger side sliding door will not open. The lock became stuck in the locked position and it will not unlock. It cannot be unlocked by hand, the unlock button inside the van, or with the key fob. This is dangerous because nobody can get out through that door in the case of an emergency.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 22, 2022
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
The passenger right side sliding door locking mechanism has failed. It makes a very loud rattling / ratcheting sound when the door closes automatically. No warning lamps or messages indicating a failure. Date first noticed was June 22, 2022. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center. We have been told the local Chrysler Dealer is backed up for months due to lack of ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
Bought this brand new in April of 2021. Original owner. My problem is with the drivers side door. Every time I open it it makes a popping sound. No accidents or incidents. Seems like something is seriously wrong with the middle component. Now I have to barely open it just to squeeze through as I'm worried that it'll fall off. What's the deal? Overpriced vehicle . Many other problems but this one t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
- The door panel and dashboard is melting under normal to warm weather conditions. Yes. - The rubber is degrading and coming off in pieces . I am concerned that inhalation or contact with this rubber material is a chemical hazard and/or carcinogenic. Also, the shiny sticky dash impedes my driving visibility with a constant glare. - Yes, Lexus offered a limited recall for 2-3 years only. I was ne... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
The rear drivers side passenger door will not open from the outside, and it wont open from the inside either. If someone needed to get out of or in to this car in a hurry (say it was on fire) this would be very bad. The car has not had anything impact it on this side.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 21, 2022
Incident date: Mar 27, 2022
I am contacting you about a certified pre-owned car I had purchased from Mercedes Benz Cincinnati. Following my most recent routine maintenance visit to the dealer, I received an email from Mercedes stating that they had identified that the rear subframe on my Mercedes C300 4Matic needed replacement and it was not safe to drive. It turns out that the two joints on the subframe were corroded. This ... Read more
NEWMAR
DUTCH STAR
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 21, 2022
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
Entry door unlatches and allows door to open at highway speed, unless secondary deadbolt lock is manually latched. This occurred twice on my recent trip. Manufacturer has worked/examined this issue on 2 previous occasions. Standard door latch does not secure door as designed.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2019
Engine Coolant Leaking from rear of engine near Exhaust / turbocharger at Cylinder Head. No Warning Lights indicating problem until coolant level low causing overheating and fire risk. Rear Brakes not releasing completely from "City Mode" where brakes are kept close to rotor "to increase braking response in City driving" - causes premature brake wear, warped brake rotors (reoccurs within 10K mile... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
We took our 2004 4Runner for annual vehicle inspection and the service provider told us the vehicle would not pass safety inspection due to the excessive rusting on the steel frame and the suspension of the vehicle. Welding and patchwork will not fix this issue. My husband depends on this vehicle to work. The attached pictures give a small window into the extent of the damage. There is no curren... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2022
While driving on the highway the moon roof spontaneously exploded and shattered. The noise was loud and startling like a gunshot and poses a serious risk of crashing and injury if the shade is open at the time of explosion.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2020
Bought 2017 Hyundai Elantra in May 2020 car had no paint peeling at Odometer reading 82,888. In October 2020 the paint on the hood of the car near the headlights started peeling the odometer reading was about 92,897 at that point. A couple months later the roof next to the windshield start peeling too. Now those spots have grown each time it rains. These spots are now starting to rust. Obviously t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
I found a piece of rusted metal on my garage floor. After having both my mechanic and the man who did earlier body work on this vehicle it was found that the shock tower is rusted. To the extent that the driver's side back wheel is leaning into the fuel line. Making my Escape unsafe to drive. There are many Youtube videos that discuss this problem. So, this is not an isolated case. This is a sa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2016
Several spots of paint peeling off of the vehicle, all mainly around the windshield area on the top and sides as well as a few spots on the hood
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
I am having an issue with a sticky melting dashboard in my 2011 Camry. I recently noticed this as I was driving and there is this glare that puts me and my family at risk every day. I bought my Camry brand new in 2011 for which I paid 32k for it and now I am being left with a dangerous dashboard. Toyota should be forced to help its costumers .
Incident date: Aug 19, 2022
The steering wheel ignition lock is easy bypassed by using only a small screwdriver or USB cord. This makes the car easily stolen and therefore violates the requirements of 571.114 which requires a "starting system which, whenever the key is removed from the starting system prevents.. the normal activation of the vehicles engine or motor". This affects all Kia / Hyundai vehicles with a normal keye... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2022
unkown. the start of engine not cut on.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2022
My dash on my 2012 Suburban cracked within 4 years of its manufactured date and it just keeps getting worse. If there were an accident it is so dry and cracked it will through hard plastic into the driver and passengers. I know of many other same and similar year models that have the same issue. Now that there is a passenger-side airbag recall would be the perfect time for GM to step up and fix t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
I am writing to let you know of my current difficulties in fixing my Ford Fusion 2016 that had an issue with the door latch. As this problem prevented the door from closing, which raised a safety concern while driving. A recent recall from Ford under the recall number 20S15 (attached) was released on March 24, 2020, to fix this issue for Fiesta, Fusion, and MKZ. My car fits exactly the affected ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
There is a known issue with 2019+ Toyoya RAV4 where the Roof Rack Rails seaks leak water into the Driver and Passenger SRS A Pillar, i don't understand why there isn't a TSB for this, im concerned that the water intrusion will damage the Airbags or Electrical components and cause the airbag to deploy or cause improper SRS A pillar airbag operation. I'm also concerned about rust, A Quick google sea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2022
I inherited my father’s Tundra which now only has 95,000 and almost flawless body. As part of the recall for Tundra frames, I took it to the dealer and they wanted nothing to do with the frame replacement and only put on undercoating. This has made it worse. On my last inspection (May) I was told that this truck frame is failing and I won’t be passing another inspection. I called a different d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2022
There is a leak on the passenger side footwear which has caused rust on the from cross frame and the wires for the airbag to get wet and other wires.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Carbon monoxide leaking into my car—tailgate area and through the front hvac. Weird sound from engine that sounds and smells like electrical burning or something overheating.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 18, 2022
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
Failed component: The subframe on my Mercedes C300 broke on one side and was almost broken on the other. It would be available for inspection as it is sitting in the Mercedes dealer bone yard waiting on the part to be shipped from Germany around September 17th. It also ruined my back tires & now I have to replace them too. I understand that in the UK the Mercedes dealers are fixing this problem f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2018
The paint is pealing around the front door pillars, on the hood and on top in the back of the car. The paint has started to bubble on both sides of the car just behind the back doors. In the attached pictures I try to point out several of them but not all. I have seen so many Kia's with the same peeling issues around town and online.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 18, 2022
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was pulling to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the rear subframe of the vehicle had sustained severe rusting and corrosion causing the vehicle to pull to the right while braking. The contact was advised that th... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 18, 2022
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
The rear subframe rusted out at 115k miles and it completely cracked. No other sign of rust on the vehicle. Kept in the garage. Definite safety issue.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2005) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 18, 2022
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
Electronic control module, electronic body module starts going out, it will not let you open the doors from the outside without rolling the windows down and sometimes won't even let you open them with the inside door handles. This is a major safety issue in a wreck or fire especially if you cannot get out of the car. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. For a vehicle that everyone complai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
frame. We did have the frame checked a few times since we were made aware of the issue with rusted frames. Terrible noise. Technician says frame is being held to cap by two inches of rusted frame on both side just above rear wheel. Our repair person says of there was a recall, he can fix it. It thought there was a recall. He said otherwise the truck looks perfect. We are original owers. have... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2002) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 18, 2022
Incident date: May 29, 2020
rocker panels rusted out
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
When auto lights are engaged and the blinkers are engaged, the light will turn off and it will blink in the wrong direction for a few times and then blink the correct direction. While in auto lights and you turn a curve they will sometimes go off. Now I have an issue with my AC - it goes on and off randomly. Had it looked at and they cannot find an issue with the components but said it could be ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
The driver side dash has a large crack that appeared all of a sudden. This is apparently an on going issue with many complaints filed due to cheap plastic parts.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SLK280
(2006) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 17, 2022
Incident date: Mar 10, 2022
Trunk failure. The trunk, when open, may suddenly fall very fast at any time. When you open the trunk it stays open but without warning may suddenly drop hitting you in the head. The trunk is actually quit heavy and can cause serious trauma to a person or damage to the vehicle as it slams down with force.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
Excessive frame rust causing difficulty to keep vehicle on the road. No warning lamps, I noticed the rust starting years ago, now the rust is so bad that the frame is rusted through causing difficulty steering and loud crunch noises. I contacted Toyota Consumer Affairs explaining the rust concern and asked if I needed to take the vehicle to a dealership for inspection, they said it wasn’t neces... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2005) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 17, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
drivers side rear interior door handle plastic cup securing the handle broken. Cannot open door from inside.
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 17, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
Neither back doors on my 2015 ML350 lock. Even after you try to lock them from the inside anyone can open the doors from the outside. This is a huge safety hazard because someone could easily car jack the car while you are in it. I bought the car new from the local dealer and i have reported this to the dealership and they said it was a known problem and that acutuators on both doors needed to be... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
Paint is chipping along both drip rails.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTKSE
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 17, 2022
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
I brought my motorcycle into a Harley Davidson dealer for a Virginia State Safety Inspection. The inspector noticed a crack in the powder-coat of paint covering a welded section of the frame. Further investigation revealed the crack in the paint followed the edge of the weld and the weld is lifted off of the frame. Harley Davidson Corporate was notified and I was told the motorcycle is out of warr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
Driver side door will not open from the inside and window will not go up or down. Also, doesn't seem to be locking properly. Took vehicle to the dealership and they said there is no recall on this issue and it needs to be taken to a Bodyshop to be corrected. This vehicle is a daily driver with very low milage. It hasn't been involved in any accidents or vandalism so insurance will not cover the fi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH in the rain with all windows rolled up, there was leakage that occurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated four days later she noticed the driver and passenger's side rear floorboard were soaked. The contact vacuumed up the water and drove the vehicle into her garage. There was m... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 16, 2022
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
Dash is cracked in multiple spots making it a safety concern when airbag is deployed.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2022
At all speeds, hood visibly wobbles when driving. Additionally, clanging metal noise noted from front area. Hood is not adequately secured to prevent this from happening.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
The paint on my 2017 Kia Soul is peeling (delaminating) on the hood of the vehicle. The paint color is Pearl White, mileage is 81k, photos taken August 13, 2022.
Incident date: May 1, 2022
Good afternoon, my Acura MDX 2016 roof paint peeling off. It is known problem. also I found gov. document for warranty extension. but Acura refuse to fix my MDX paint job. because of my car is not in the warranty extension list. please check attached my photo file. this shows perfectly matched claim requirement. 2016 Acura MDX white pearl color (NH603P) what should I do please help me.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 15, 2022
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
08/15/2022 (date statement was wrote not date of incident) While driving into work at 50 miles an hour, traffic started to slow. While applying brake heard loud pop and vehicle rear end lounged right making steering difficult, I immediately released the brake and control came back I then gently applied the brake again to slow vehicle and felt slight clump from rear. This was very disconcerting m... Read more